8 Answers
8

Anything quick release represents a point of inherent weakness - a breaking point.

Any QR system has a means of releasing it, be it a movement in a specific direction or clasping of 2 points on the clip itself. These can be activated by mistake when they come into contact with other clothing or your bag.

I have known quite a few people have theirs go unexpectedly on them and end up with a smashed camera. The intricate attachment of the strap makes it more secure.

I use Black Rapid straps which do have quick release buckles on them but they are very secure and usually away from anything else which could clash with them. I haven't found the eyelets to be an issue or annoying but I have Canon gear so I can't comment on your Nikon.

I agree completely. Is the slight time saved by a quick release worth the increased risk of a smashed camera? I only just trust the normal straps on my camera as it is!
–
EndarethMay 26 '11 at 2:21

5

With a good release mechanism there is no danger of accidentally triggering it. You trust QR plates on a tripod right?
–
Kendall Helmstetter GelnerMay 26 '11 at 3:48

1

Yes, it is the plastic buckle I was referring to - I find it very sturdy - was just mentioning it's construction
–
JamWheelMay 26 '11 at 6:57

2

@Kendall Helmstetter Gelner no, I do not trust the QR plate on my tripod, I always double check it is properly secured and always pick the camera and tripod up by the camera so that only the tripod falls if it has become partly undone.
–
JamWheelMay 26 '11 at 6:59

1

Never had a QR strap accidentally open after 3 years of almost daily use. Turns out it is a very comfortable strap, I almost never use the QR and wish it didn't have one because the superfluous threading. Here's the one: ephotozine.com/article/…
–
ItaiMay 26 '11 at 13:47

Simple, because they do not need to. As Micheal Reichmann says, The Enemy of Excellent is Good Enough.

Would you buy a different camera if the other one had quick-releases on its strap? Probably, no. So why would the manufacturer pay more to make the strap? Long ago, my cameras came with an awesome strap with a fastener for the lens cap and holder for battery but they stopped doing that. Eventually, they figured out they can save money doing stuff that does not bring them more money!

That's Voltaire, not Michael Reichmann. :) Anyway, I'm voting you up, because I think you're spot on, but I also think it's interesting that the common use of this aphorism is the opposite — striving for perfection often prevents people from implementing something that would be perfectly good enough, and so we end up with nothing at all.
–
mattdmApr 6 '12 at 19:22

I use OpTech with pro-loop. Aside from the QR, this strap also has strecthing neoprene/membrane, where it helps ease the burden of shouldering your camera/lens combo. I actually have 2 straps for 4 cameras, since mostly I only use/bring 2 cameras at any given moment/trip. For the rest, I just attach the loop on the camera and exchange/swap the neoprene strap as needed.

It has a spring-loaded self-locking mechanism that is simple to unhook yet should not come off accidentally. It has some spongy sleeves that can slide over the mechanism to make it inaccessible as well. Like other Pacsafe products, it features a built-in metal wire so that the strap cannot be slashed.

I use a Domke 1" camera strap with my Pentax K-7. I usually use small prime lenses (the reason to shoot with Pentax, after all!), and I don't need a camera strap with more bulk than my camera + lens — something that frustrated me with most of the fancy camera straps. This one is comfortable yet simple, and doesn't have obnoxious bright-colored advertising written on it.

I don't use the QR version, but one exists: Domke Gripper Camera Strap 1" with Swivel Quick Release - Black, from B&H, and that model has a design where the strap should never get twisted the wrong way, which seems handy. Tiffen (who make the Domke brand) offer a selection of colors (all neutral and boring — black, tan, or navy) and you can choose between 1" or 1.5" if you have more hefty equipment.

The Leica strap has a very clever and safe mechanism.
It's not as quick to release as those plastic squeeze buckles, but certainly faster than threading webbing through buckles or the typical split ring. There's also no way it will release by accident. There are some photos at Amazon:

UPstrap® uses releases designed for the military. The smaller release for 3/4" web is 120 lbs. breaking strength and the large one is 300 lbs. breaking strength. The larger quick release has a definitive audible click when it mates. UPstrap camera straps.

In addition the non-slip shoulder pad remains on your shoulder. It does not slip off.